In a crazy, four-team trade proposed by ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers would finally bring Draymond Green on board, while the Golden State Warriors would get Giannis Antetokounmpo. Green, a good friend of LeBron James, could help anchor the Lakers’ defense next season, though the price would certainly be a bit steep.
LA would have to give up Austin Reaves in the trade, but they would also get back Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks, who would also be involved in the deal. On the one hand, they would put a great defensive frontcourt next to Luka Doncic, but on the other, they would lose one of their best offensive creators and three-point shooters.
The question is, would it be worth it?
What does the entire trade look like?
Here are the full details of the proposed trade:
Warriors get: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Lakers get: Draymond Green, Daniel Gafford
Mavericks get: Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick (via LAL), 2025 second-round pick (No. 41 via GSW)
Bucks get: Austin Reaves, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga (via sign-and-trade), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Maxi Kleber, 2029 first-round pick (via GSW), 2031 first-round pick (via GSW), 2030 first-round swap (with LAL)
Would the Lakers make this trade?
Based on what they would be giving up and what they would be getting, the Lakers should absolutely consider this deal. It would solve a bunch of problems for their roster.
Losing Reaves is tough, but what they would be getting back is perfect. Green is an elite defensive player who could help transform the way they play on that end of the floor. Plus, his abilities as a passer and screener would elevate LA’s offense, too.
Gafford would be a perfect fit, too. He already has experience playing with Doncic, as he was a huge contributor to the Mavs team that made the 2024 NBA Finals. His paint presence on defense and rim-running on offense would give the Lakers a huge boost.
They would have to give up a first-round pick and a pick swap, but all in all, this trade should interest the Lakers.
Would all teams make this trade?
The Warriors getting Antetokounmpo and the Mavs getting a first-rounder for Gafford would be interesting, but this isn’t enough for the Bucks.
If they are trading Antetokounmpo, they should want a better player than Reaves (who is a quality, high-level role player), and/or way more draft picks.
Milwaukee would almost definitely be the hold-up in a trade like this, but it would be very intriguing for the Lakers.